Catalogue

While researching the life of Imam Shamil, a 19th century Muslim chieftain, history professor at the University of Aberdeen, Natasha Wilson with her Russian/Sudanese heritage, is drawn into the life of one of her students; Oz is a descendant of Shamil, and like Natasha is grappling with his cultural identity. When he comes to the attention of the authorities for his supposed extremism, Natasha's carefully constructed life is also called into question. Intertwined with their story is that of Shamil and his involvement with the court of the Tzar.

With parallel storylines and settings in Scotland, Georgia and Sudan, this engaging story vividly depicts the experience of living in exile and yearning for home.